Cosmetic Holder

ABSTRACT

A customizable cosmetic palette is provided. A base assembly having a magnetic surface therein retains cosmetic pans of different shapes and sizes within the palette body, and allows replacement and rearrangement of the pans as necessary. One or more covers are provided to protect the contents during use, storage, handling and/or travel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/760,029, which was filed on Apr. 14, 2010.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic holder and, more specifically, to a customizable cosmetic palette that accepts de-potted cosmetic pans of varying shapes and sizes.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Generally speaking, cosmeticians experience considerable difficulty as they work with different shades of makeup. In one hand will often be a makeup brush and in the other hand will be a particular shade of makeup. Unfortunately as the cosmetician needs to apply different shades of makeup it is often necessary to handle and exchange different makeup containers. Accordingly, a holder that will permit a plurality of containers of different makeup shades to be releasably secured to the holder and permits containers of different shades to be easily interchangeable to facilitate access by the cosmetician is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a cosmetic holder device, the device comprising: a base assembly defining at least one recess therein, the recess having a surface adapted for releasable attachment thereon of a plurality of cosmetic pans of different shapes or sizes.

Disclosed herein is a method for providing a makeup palette, the method steps comprising: providing a cosmetic holder comprising a base assembly defining at least one recess therein, the at least one recess having a surface adapted for releasable attachment thereon of a plurality of cosmetic pans of different shapes or sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with a single cover;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 6 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 11 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 12 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on opposite ends;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 15 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 16 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 17 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 20 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 21 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 24 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 25 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 26 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 29 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 30 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on opposite ends;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 33 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 34 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 35 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 38 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 39 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end;

FIG. 41 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 42 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 43 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 44 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 45 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 47 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 48 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on opposite ends;

FIG. 50 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 51 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 52 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 53 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 54 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 55 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 56 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 57 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides, each cover including an oval shaped feature;

FIG. 59 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 60 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 61 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 62 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 63 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 64 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 65 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 66 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides, each cover including a circular shaped feature;

FIG. 68 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 69 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 70 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 71 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 72 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 73 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 74 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 75 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides, each cover including a heart-shaped feature;

FIG. 77 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 78 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 79 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 80 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 81 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 82 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 83 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 84 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with an overall circular design and covers on opposite sides;

FIG. 86 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 87 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 88 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 89 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 90 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 91 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 92 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 93 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end, with a radius on the corners;

FIG. 95 is a front view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 96 is a back view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 97 is a right side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 98 is a left side view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 99 is a top view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 100 is a bottom view of the embodiment thereof;

FIG. 101 is an isometric top-down view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein; and

FIG. 102 is an isometric bottom-up view of the embodiment depicting the placement of cosmetic pans therein.

The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following disclosure makes reference to cosmetic pans, which are the pans or pots in which makeup products are contained. For example, a cosmetics company that manufactures eye shadow, blush, or bronzer compounds for retail sales will place the manufactured compounds in cosmetic pots or pans, and then the pans inside of plastic retail makeup containers for the end user. For purposes of the invention it is possible to extract the cosmetic pan from the outer plastic makeup container by gently prying the pan therefrom, or by applying heat to the outer plastic makeup container until the retaining adhesive has softened such that the pan may be lifted therefrom. Cosmetic pan also refers to bulk metal pans designed for containing makeup compounds, into which the makeup compounds from a retail makeup container may be transferred. Cosmetic pans made from magnetic materials are preferred, but the invention disclosed herein may also utilize non-magnetic cosmetic pans by attaching a magnetic material to the pan base, for example, a magnetic or magnet disc held by adhesive. An important aspect of the invention is that any combination of any size or shape of cosmetic pan may be utilized, so long as the overall height of each pan is such that the cosmetic holder cover may close as described herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein. The cosmetic holder (10) includes a holder base assembly (14) joined to a cover assembly (16) by a spine (32) on a rear edge of the holder. As depicted, the cover assembly (16) is hinged along the spine (32) to allow the cover to be raised to allow access to items stored within a recess (30) formed within the holder base assembly (14). A magnetic closure device (26) in the front edge of the holder base assembly (14) acts against a mating feature in the cover assembly (16) to urge and maintain the cover assembly (16) closed when desired to ensure retention of the items stored within the recess (30).

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the embodiment with the cover assembly (16) in an open extended position, and with a partial cutaway section to expose the inner layers of material. The base assembly (14) includes an elongated outer sheet covering (20) formed of paper, cardboard, fabric, or any other suitable covering material that provides a desired aesthetic look and feel. Use of different covering materials affords different aesthetics with the same basic rigid underlying structure. For example, in one embodiment the outer sheet (20) is formed of copper paper for a unique aesthetic appeal. The base assembly (14) further includes outer walls (12) that along with the outer sheet covering (20) form a recess, and that defines the shape of the base assembly (14) along with the spine (32). A magnet sheet (22) is bonded within the recess (30) to form the inner surface of the base assembly (14). In another embodiment an additional sheet covering is utilized over the magnet sheet (22) such that the magnet sheet is not visible, but yet is still capable of magnetic attraction therethrough. The frame that is formed is rigid, and may include additional sheets of cardboard, plastic, metal, or other suitably rigid materials. Although a magnet sheet (22) is described, other embodiments may utilize magnetic sheets that rely on magnets attached to the cosmetic pans for releasable attraction. In yet another embodiment a hook-and-loop fastening material is utilized within the recess on the inner surface for releasable retention of the cosmetic pans (a complimentary corresponding component of the hook-and-loop fastening material is attached thereto).

The outer sheet covering (20) is also used to form the cover assembly (16) covering and the spine (32) and cover hinges (34). Specifically, the spine (32) is formed by two transverse parallel score lines (34), which allow the spine (32) and cover assembly (16) to rotate away from the base (14) such that the cover assembly (16) may fold back upon the bottom side of the base assembly (14).

The cover assembly (16) also includes an outer cover (20) and a transparent viewing window (36) made of transparent plastic material, for example, PMMA plastic. FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the embodiment with the cover assembly (16) in the open and extended position (i.e., not folded back upon the base). In this embodiment the transparent viewing window (36) fits within a routed section of the cover assembly frame (38) and is held therein by adhesive and by a layer of the outer covering sheet (20) material. While the present embodiment utilizes a transparent polymer material for the viewing window (36), other embodiments may utilize glass or glass/polymer combinations. Still other embodiments may utilize semi-transparent or opaque materials for the viewing window (36). Further, while a rectangular viewing window (36) is depicted, other shapes are envisioned and are within the scope of the claims (for example: a star shape, a cloud shape, animal shapes, vehicle shapes, a city-skyline shape, etc.).

Reference is again made to FIG. 1, wherein two cosmetic pans are depicted (42 and 44). Each depicted cosmetic pan (42 and 44) is formed of a magnetic material, or includes a magnetic layer attached thereto to allow the pot (42 and 44) to removeably attach to the magnetic sheet (22) within the recess (30). Each cosmetic pan (42 and 44) is filled with a type of makeup toner, foundation or other cosmetic products. Although only two cosmetic pans are depicted, it is possible to include any number of cosmetic pans, each having a different shape or size that fits within the void space of the recess (30).

Because the cosmetic pans (42 and 44) are removable, they are also repositionable within the recess (30) in any order and combination that makes sense to the user. For example, a cosmetologist who will be working on numerous people or that creates different shades of makeup or any combination thereof can select any combination of cosmetic pans and can place them at will on the magnetic sheet (22). Once placed on the magnetic sheet (22), the magnetic force secures the cosmetic pans and prevents them from moving when the cosmetologist applies a brush to the makeup (44) therein. Furthermore, once the shades need to be changed or alternatively the makeup is used up in the makeup containers (42 and 44), the cosmetologist need only pull the canisters away from the magnetic sheet (22) for replacement. Additionally, because the makeup containers are magnetically secured in the recess (30), and the containers are provided with a height that is no higher than the top surface of the base, the cover assembly (16) can be closed so that the cosmetic holder (10) can be stored, shipped and/or inventoried with the cover closed to prevent the cosmetic pans (42 and 44) from being dislodged and moving inside the cosmetic holder during storage, delivery and handling. Also, the cosmetic holder is particularly convenient for travel, since the makeup containers will not move when they are jarred during travel and incidental handling. In yet another embodiment the sheet covering (20) is metal and each cosmetic pan includes a magnet component to achieve the same retention and releaseability of the described embodiment.

In yet another embodiment the magnetic closure device (26) triggers an electronic switch to enable interior LED illumination of the recess (30). Upon opening of the cover assembly (16) the switch is activated causing the LED to illuminate using battery power. Further, upon closing the cover assembly (16) the LED is deactivated. Another embodiment features a viewing window comprised of two-way mirror materials such that when the cover assembly (16) is open, the inner viewing window surface serves as a reflector suitable for use as a mirror to apply makeup. When the cover assembly (16) is closed, the magnetic closure device (26) activates the interior LED illumination to allow the makeup contents to be visible through the viewing window. A timer circuit may be utilized to deactivate the LED after a period of time to conserve energy, or an accelerometer in conjunction with a timer circuit may be used to sense when the cosmetic holder is at rest (for example, when not in use for a period of time) to allow deactivation of the LED to conserve energy. In another embodiment the viewing window (36) comprises LCD technology to allow the makeup contents to be visible through the viewing window when the cover assembly (16) is closed (LCD energized to align the crystals). Upon opening the cover assembly, the magnetic closure device causes the LCD to de-energize thereby creating a reflective surface on the cover assembly interior to serve as a makeup application mirror. The aforementioned discrete circuitry for control of an LED, accelerometer, timer, and LCD is well understood, requiring no further discussion herein.

FIG. 4 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end. FIGS. 5 through 10 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 11 and 12, the makeup holder base assembly (1102) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (1104 and 1106) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (1108 and 1112) hinged along a common spine (1114). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (1104 or 1106).

FIG. 13 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on opposite ends. FIGS. 14 through 19 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 20 and 21, the makeup holder base assembly (2002) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (2004 and 2006) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (2008 and 2012), with one cover assembly (2008) hinged along a spine (2014) and the other cover assembly (2012) hinged along the other spine (2016). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (2004 or 2006).

FIG. 22 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end. FIGS. 23 through 28 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 20 and 30, the makeup holder base assembly (2902) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (2904 and 2906) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (2908 and 2912) hinged along a common spine (2914). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (2904 or 2906).

FIG. 31 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on opposite ends. FIGS. 32 through 37 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 38 and 39, the makeup holder base assembly (3802) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (3804 and 3806) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (3808 and 3812), with one cover assembly (3808) hinged along a spine (3814) and the other cover assembly (3812) hinged along the other spine (3816). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (3804 or 3806).

FIG. 40 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end. FIGS. 41 through 46 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 47 and 48, the makeup holder base assembly (4702) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (4704 and 4706) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (4708 and 4712) hinged along a common spine (4714). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (4704 or 4706).

FIG. 49 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on opposite ends. FIGS. 50 through 55 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 56 and 57, the makeup holder base assembly (5602) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (5604 and 5606) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (5608 and 5612), with one cover assembly (5608) hinged along a spine (5614) and the other cover assembly (5612) hinged along the other spine (5616). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (5604 or 5606).

FIG. 58 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides, each cover including an oval shaped feature. FIGS. 59 through 64 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 65 and 66, the makeup holder base assembly (6502) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (6504 and 6506) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (6508 and 6512) hinged along a common spine (6514). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (6504 or 6506). Although this embodiment is depicted with hinges on a common spine, another embodiment may utilize hinges on opposite ends. Moreover, the oval shaped feature may be utilized on an embodiment including only a single cover assembly and recess.

FIG. 67 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides, each cover including a circular shaped feature. FIGS. 68 through 73 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 74 and 75, the makeup holder base assembly (7402) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (7404 and 7406) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (7408 and 7412) hinged along a common spine (7414). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (7404 or 7406). Although this embodiment is depicted with hinges on a common spine, another embodiment may utilize hinges on opposite ends. Moreover, the circular shaped feature may be utilized on an embodiment including only a single cover assembly and recess.

FIG. 76 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides, each cover including a heart shaped feature. FIGS. 77 through 82 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 83 and 84, the makeup holder base assembly (8302) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (8304 and 8306) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (8308 and 8312) hinged along a common spine (8314). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (8304 or 8306). Although this embodiment is depicted with hinges on a common spine, another embodiment may utilize hinges on opposite ends. Moreover, the heart shaped feature may be utilized on an embodiment including only a single cover assembly and recess.

FIG. 85 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with an overall circular design and covers on opposite sides. FIGS. 86 through 91 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 92 and 92, the makeup holder base assembly (9202) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (9204 and 9206) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (9208 and 9212) hinged along a common spine (9214). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (9204 or 9206). Although this embodiment is depicted with hinges on a common spine, another embodiment may utilize hinges on opposite ends. Moreover, the circular body assembly design may be utilized in an embodiment including only a single cover assembly and recess.

FIG. 94 presents a perspective view of another embodiment of the cosmetic holder incorporating the inventive aspects disclosed herein, configured with covers on opposite sides and hinges on a common end, with a radius on each corner. FIGS. 95 through 100 show additional views of this embodiment. As shown in the isometric views of FIGS. 101 and 102, the makeup holder base assembly (10102) is adapted to provide two matching, opposing recess areas (10104 and 10106) having magnet or magnetic sheet material therein as in the previous embodiment. This embodiment also includes dual cover assemblies (10108 and 10112) hinged along a common spine (10114). Magnetic cosmetic pans (or cosmetic pans having an attached magnetic material) of any shape or size (depicted) may be removably attached to the surface of either recess (10104 or 10106). Although this embodiment is depicted with hinges on a common spine, another embodiment may utilize hinges on opposite ends. Moreover, the corner radius feature may be utilized on an embodiment including only a single cover assembly and recess.

Although the multiple-recess embodiments described herein involve a first recess and a second recess an opposite side of the cosmetic holder, other embodiments include having the first and second recesses mounted on a same side of the cosmetic holder with a physical separation therebetween such that a single cover assembly may close over both recesses simultaneously. Another embodiment utilizes dual covers, with one cover closing over the first recess and the other cover closing over the second recess. In another embodiment there are more than two recesses within the body assembly, capable of being closed by one or more covers. Moreover, the circuitry discussed herein with regard to the single cover embodiment likewise translates to embodiments having any number of covers and viewing windows.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is established by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are, therefore, intended to be embraced therein. Further, any recitation of method steps does not denote a particular sequence for execution of the steps. Such method steps may therefore be performed in a sequence other than that recited unless the particular claim expressly states otherwise. 

I claim:
 1. A cosmetic holder device, the device comprising: a base assembly defining at least one recess therein, the recess having a surface adapted for releasable attachment thereon of a plurality of cosmetic pans of different shapes or sizes.
 2. The device of claim 1, the device further comprising a cover assembly adapted to close over each recess and a plurality of cosmetic pans therein.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the base assembly defines a first recess and a second recess therein, the first and second recesses accessible from opposite sides of the device.
 4. The device of claim 3, the device further comprising a cover assembly adapted to close over each recess to enclose the cosmetic pans therein.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the base assembly defines a plurality of recesses therein, wherein at least one recess is accessible from a side of the base assembly that is opposite that of another recess.
 6. The device of claim 5, the device further comprising one or more non-magnetic cosmetic pans, wherein each non-magnetic cosmetic pan includes a magnet or magnetic material.
 7. The device of claim 1, the recess surface further comprising a sheet of magnetic material attached to or embedded therein.
 8. The device of claim 7, the device further comprising one or more cosmetic pans including a magnet material attached thereto.
 9. The device of claim 1, at least one recess surface further comprising a sheet of magnet material attached to or embedded therein.
 10. The device of claim 9, the device further comprising one or more magnetic cosmetic pans.
 11. A method for providing a makeup palette, the method steps comprising: providing a cosmetic holder comprising a base assembly defining at least one recess therein, the at least one recess having a surface adapted for releasable attachment thereon of a plurality of cosmetic pans of different shapes or sizes.
 12. The method of claim 11, the method steps further comprising: releasably attaching a plurality of cosmetic pans of different shapes or sizes to the surface within the recess.
 13. The method of claim 12, the method steps further comprising: providing a cover assembly to enclose the cosmetic pans within the recess.
 14. The method of claim 11, the base assembly defining a first recess and a second recess therein, the first and second recesses accessible from opposite sides of the base assembly, the method steps further comprising: releasably attaching a plurality of cosmetic pans of different shapes or sizes to the surface within the first and second recesses.
 15. The method of claim 14, the method steps further comprising: providing a cover assembly to enclose the cosmetic pans within each recess. 